Summer Solstice Rituals to Reconnect With Yourself
(Even if you only have five minutes and a luke-warm cup of coffee)
The longest day of the year is more than just extra daylight for mowing the lawn or getting an extra load of washing done.
The Summer Solstice (21st June) has been honoured for centuries as a moment to pause, soak up the sun’s energy and say, “Yep, I’m alive and I’m ready for what’s next.” If you’ve been running on caffeine fumes and to‑do lists, this is your gentle nudge to slow down, face the sun and reconnect with YOU.
Below you’ll find super‑doable rituals, that you’ll struggle to say “I haven’t got time for that” to. Think five‑minute pauses, tiny bursts of movement and Yoga philosophy sprinkled in, like sunshine on your shoulders.
1 | Invite in the Light (Surya Namaskar)
Why it matters: In Yoga, the sun is Surya a symbol of life force, clarity and purpose. Practising Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) honours that energy and sparks your own inner light.
Quick ritual:
1. Roll out your mat (or find space wherever you can)
2. Flow through 3–5 gentle Sun Salutations at your own pace, focusing on your syncing your movements with your deep breaths.
3. Repeat a positive affirmation every time you come back to standing at the top of your mat. Here are a few for inspiration “I welcome light,” “I welcome energy,” “I welcome ease.”
Time investment: 5 minutes
Yoga philosophy: You’re practising Tapas. Stoking that internal fire without burning out and practicing commitment.
2 | The “Sunshine Shot” Breath (Kapalabhati Pranayama)
Why it matters: Kapalabhati literally means “skull‑shining breath.” It’s a quick way to shake off fogginess and invite fresh energy. With any Pranayama practice, check in with yourself and stop if you become light-headed, dizzy or get a headache.
Quick ritual:
Sit tall, hands on belly.
Take a gentle inhale, then snap your belly in (like you’ve received a karate-chop) to puff the exhale out through your nose. The inhale happens passively.
Start slow: 30 puffs, pause, breathe normally, maybe try one more round.
Time investment: 2 minutes
Yoga Philosophy: This is Pranayama, expanding your life‑force energy (your Prana), so you can show up brighter for the world.
3 | Santosha in the Sunshine
Why it matters: Santosha (contentment) asks us to see that what we have right now is enough, even if the washing basket is telling us otherwise.
Quick ritual:
1. Sit outside (or by a window) with a cuppa.
2. Close your eyes for three breaths and feel the warmth on your skin.
3. Finish the sentence in your head (or journal): “In this moment I am grateful for ___.” Do it three times.
Time investment: 3–5 minutes.
Positive Side effect: Nervous‑system down‑shift, guilt dissolved, feeling calmer
4 | “Fire & Release” Journal Sprint
Why it matters: The Solstice’s peak light can illuminate what we’re ready to let go of. This is Aparigraha (non-attachment) in action.
Quick ritual:
Set a 5‑minute timer and free write on:
1. “What heaviness am I ready to burn off?”
2. “What do I want to feel lighter about by autumn?”Optional: Rip out the page and (safely) burn it or tear it to confetti as a symbolic release.
Time investment: 5–7 minutes.
Pro‑tip: Pair with a candle for extra ritual vibes.
5 | Mini Solar Plexus Flow
The solar plexus (Manipura Chakra) is your confidence HQ. A few core‑warming shapes can wake it up.It also shines bright yellow like the sun, so you are practicing your own Summer Solstice!
Quick ritual:
1. On your hands and knees, extend your opposite arm + leg in a Superman Stretch for 5 breaths on each side.
2. Come to seated, balancing on the boney bits of your bum, for Boat Pose. Engage your core, open your chest and feel confident whether your legs are hovering above the mat or not.
3. Choose a pose that challenges you, or that you don’t feel confident in and give it a go! Maybe Half Moon gives your the heebie jeebies, or plank is anything but peaceful…just the pose that you probably would avoid, if you could. There’s no rush here, go steady and with confidence and work where you can.
Time investment: 6 minutes-ish
Feel: Warm tummy, tall spine, mind switched ON and shining your own inner sun.
6 | Evening Candle Gaze (Trāṭaka)
Long summer evenings can keep the mind buzzing. Candle gazing steadies focus (Dharana) and preps you for delicious sleep.
Quick ritual:
1. Light a candle at eye level and sit 2 feet away. (This practice also works well with a fire pit or bonfire).
2. Soften your gaze on the flame for 1–2 minutes, blink naturally, try not to strain your eyes here.
3. Close your eyes and see the flame in your mind’s eye, breathe slow.
Time investment: 3 minutes.
Benefit: Quiets mental chatter so you can rest, because rest is productive.
7 | The One‑Song Dance Party
Why it matters: Joy is a practice. Free movement embodies Lila, the playful nature of life that Yoga honours.
Quick ritual:
Put on a 3‑minute song that makes you grin.
Dance like the kitchen is Wembley Stadium.
Finish with hands on heart, eyes closed, big breath in/out.
Time investment: Song length.
Extra credit: Invite kids/partner/pets for maximum fun points.
How to Choose Your Ritual (by the way, you can’t get it wrong)
1. Pick one that feels doable and works for you + the time you have
2. Set a reminder (alarm, sticky note, lipstick on the mirror, whatever works).
3. Show up imperfectly. Three breaths or three pages, both count + both are valid.
4. Repeat or switch it up all week if it feels good.
Remember, Yoga is a lifestyle, not something that happens just in your mat. The Solstice simply offers a spotlight moment to remember your light.
Shine Like You Mean It
You don’t need a sacred stone circle or a silent sunrise to celebrate the Solstice (but WOW if you can get to one!). You just need a pocket of presence. A breath with intention. A tiny choice that says, “I’m worth my own time.”
So pop the kettle on, roll your shoulders, turn your face to the sun and then get on with your beautiful, busy, brilliantly imperfect life glowing just a little brighter.
Happy Solstice, everyone. Keep shining. 💜
P.S. If you try one of these rituals, do let me know! I’d love to cheer you on (preferably with virtual cake).